Crystal Palace may send some of their squad out on loan in a bid to keep them sharp for the closing months of the Championship campaign.

A number of players have slipped further down the pecking order following the arrivals of loan trio Ashley Richards, Kevin Phillips and Stephen Dobbie during the transfer window.

Assistant manager Keith Millen admits he is mulling some loan exits, with strike duo Aaron Wilbraham and Jermaine Easter thought to be in consideration, while some of the youngsters could get first-team action elsewhere.

Millen told the South London Press: "We've got a month before the window shuts completely for the season and we are having a look at who we might need to loan out to get some games and then get them back for the run-in.

"We've got a squad of about 21 and there are ones on the bench that aren't playing regularly. We don't want to leave ourselves short but we feel a month's football will benefit them by coming back in better shape.

"But we are also looking at our U21s. Jason Banton has gone out to Plymouth and done really well. You have got to make sure it is at a decent standard so that they keep on improving. It's about playing football that means something.

"Our reserves are at a good standard - we are up against category one teams - but it isn't the same as playing for three points. There is a different pressure and scenario.

"But it has got to be the right club at the right time. If not then we'll keep them and play them in the reserves.

"We've got some really good lads that are 18 and 19 - sometimes their path is blocked up. If we do a couple of loans then it gives them the chance of reserve football."